Easy Baked Camembert Recipe

Overhead, landscape photo of Baked Camembert Cheese topped with burst Cranberries; with crackers and red grapes next to the cheese.

5 from 10 votes

This warm, gooey, cheesy Baked Camembert Recipe is so easy to make and ready in 20 minutes, yet elegant and always a crowd pleaser! Topped with a sweet and tart cranberry compote and served with loads of crusty bread for dipping, this baked cheese appetizer needs to be included in your entertaining line up!

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Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time20 mins

Course: Appetizer, Snack, starter

Cuisine: American, French

Keyword: baked, brie, camembert, cheese, cranberry

Servings:

Calories: 167kcal

Author: Cheyanne Holzworth

Equipment

Small Saucepan
Small mixing bowl
Small Baking Dish

Ingredients

For the Fresh Cranberry Sauce:

¼ Cup Brandy
¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
8 ounces Fresh Cranberries - divided (SEE NOTES)
1 Orange – zested (about 1 TBS packed)
1 tsp Fresh Thyme - packed
Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper

For the Camembert

1 (8 ounce) wheel Camembert Cheese
1 TBS Brandy
1 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For Serving: Crackers, Baguette Slices, Walnuts, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
For the Cranberries: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, cook brandy and sugar, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil. Add half of the cranberries and cook, stirring frequently, until the cranberries burst, about 5-6 minutes. Add in the remaining cranberries and bring to a boil. Immediately remove the pan from heat and stir in the orange zest and thyme. Season to taste with a pinch of salt. Set aside, uncovered, to cool to room temperature.
Prep the Camembert: Score the top of the camembert in a crosshatch pattern with a paring knife. Transfer to a small baking dish. In a small bowl combine the brandy, oil and a pinch of salt. Pour mixture over cheese.
Bake the Camembert: Bake until cheese is very soft and oozy in the middle, about 15-20 minutes. Spoon any excess liquid over the cheese and let it rest for 5 minutes. (Tip: You must rest the cheese so it has a chance to settle!)
To Serve: Spoon cranberry mixture over cheese and serve with crackers, baguette slices and optional cheese board garnishes.

Video

Notes

Camembert Substitute: If you can’t find, or simply don’t want to use camembert, you can substitute brie cheese.
Preparing the Cheese: I baked the camembert right in its wooden box. You still need to place the box onto a baking dish though. Also, make sure you score the top of the cheese with a paring knife. I scored mine in a crosshatch pattern.
Cranberries: I used fresh cranberries, but you can substitute frozen if that is what you have on hand.
To make in advance: The cranberry compote can be made up to 5 days in advance. Simple cover and store in the refrigerator. When you are ready to use, bring the compote to room temperature before serving. Or, if you want a warm compote, place the compote in a small saucepan over low heat until desired temperature is achieved.

Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 8 servings. The exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition